A former bank executive claims she was paid less to work at a Fairview branch because she is a woman.

Mary Jane Raymond filed a lawsuit July 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Centrue Bank alleging violations of the Fair Pay Act.

Raymond worked at the Centrue Bank branch on Fountains Parkway in Fairview, according to the complaint. She says she served as executive vice president of that branch betewen February 2007 and June of this year.

Raymond says during her time as vice president, she was paid less than male employees for equal jobs that "required equal skill, effort and responsibility and which were performed under similar working conditions." She says the difference in pay constitutes discrimination.

Raymond contends the Centrue Bank violated the Fair Pay Act by willfully paying her less than male employees for the same work. She is asking the company be ordered to pay the difference in wages received during her five years with the bank which she says is more than $50,000. She is also requesting an additional equal amount as liquidated damages plus attorney fees and costs.

Attorney Edward J. Szeweczyk of Granite City represents Rayond. They demand a trial by jury.